PESHAWAR: In response to the escalating wave of militancy and terrorist attacks, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police have taken a significant step by creating dedicated Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams to counter the threats posed by militants.
The decision to establish these specialized SWAT teams is a strategic move, prompted by an in-depth analysis of the security landscape. According to a high-ranking official, nearly two-thirds of militant attacks across the nation have occurred within the province of KP.
This year alone, the police analysis reveals a distressing statistic of 154 casualties resulting from these attacks, compared to 63 in the previous year. The formation of the SWAT teams aims to effectively handle high-risk situations, emphasizing the need for a swift and coordinated response.
To bolster intelligence operations, a centralized core intelligence wing has been set up. In tandem, field intelligence units have been established at regional and district levels to gain localized insights into security matters.
The restructuring of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has introduced a dedicated counter-terrorism finance unit, reinforcing the department’s commitment to tackling the root causes and funding sources of militancy. Led by an Additional Inspector General, the CTD has also appointed two Deputy Inspector Generals to streamline operations. Furthermore, experienced officers from the Police Services of Pakistan are leading various regions to ensure efficient functioning.
The police force’s capabilities have been enhanced with the incorporation of surveillance drones featuring long-range capabilities and high-resolution thermal imaging. These advancements aid in monitoring militants’ movements across challenging mountainous terrain. Additionally, armored personnel vehicles and carriers, manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila, have been deployed to ensure the secure transportation of troops. These vehicles are equipped with jammers to thwart the use of improvised explosive devices.
The police’s focus on data collection and analysis has led to the establishment of dedicated units for this purpose. A data collection unit gathers information, while a data mining unit extracts valuable insights from the collected data.
Looking ahead, the police department plans to procure advanced equipment, including geo-fencing devices, video-conferencing systems, signal disruptors, thermal weapon sights, ballistic goggles, and more. A multi-layer security strategy, encompassing advanced technologies such as facial recognition cameras, automatic number plate recognition, and e-tag readers, is in development. The use of artificial intelligence will further enhance these systems, enabling efficient identification and response to threats.
Moreover, the department is collaborating with international partners such as the European Union, USAID, AUSAID, and the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to develop advanced digital forensic tools for monitoring social media platforms.
As the KP police take proactive measures to counter the growing threat of militancy, their comprehensive approach signifies a determined effort to ensure the safety and security of the region’s residents.
